Ep 70: Running London's iconic Jewish Beigel family business | Daniel Cohen (Managing Director, Beigel Bake Limited)

London has plenty of incredible food. Italian, Greek, Middle
Eastern.. And the bakeries are something to behold too. So it
makes sense when you’re in town to try some of its best offerings
and Beigel Bake should certainly be at the top of your list!


Which brings me to today’s guest: Daniel Cohen, Managing Director
of Beigel Bake Limited - one of London’s most iconic Jewish
beigel shops, located along Brick Lane (also an iconic location
in the City).


Beigel (or bagel, depending on where you’re from) is a
second-generation family Jewish bakery that Daniel’s father began
with two uncles back in 1974. Serving 7,000 dense and chewy
Jewish beigels daily, 24/7, it has since been rated 3 stars by
Time Out London in 2010 (4 stars by its online users) and
featured by the photographic pictorial Life in the East End by
London-based cabaret duo, EastEnd Cabaret.


In this episode, Daniel shares how Beigel Bake first came to be,
what his father was like, how he got involved in the family
business, the story behind its “rivalry” with a neighbouring
Jewish beigel shop, how it fared during the pandemic and so much
more.


If you’re ever in London, I’d recommend a visit to Beigel Bake!


Highlights:


4:10 Growing up with Beigel Bake as a prominent part of his
life

5:01 The Jewish history of beigels (or bagels)

7:02 Brick Lane history

8:57 How Beigel Bake began & its ongoing “rivalry” with a
neighbouring Jewish beigel shop

10:34 How Beigel Bake went from being a wholesaler to serving
the public

12:37 Growing by word of mouth (no advertising!)

14:24 Most popular fillings

14:43 The story behind the salt beef/pastrami filling served
at Beigel Bake

16:26 What was Daniel’s dad like?

20:28 Did Daniel feel obliged to join the family business?

21:55 Why Beigel Bake started serving sandwiches 24/7

24:14 Realities of running a family business 

25:54 Becoming managing director

28:58 Why Daniel released the recipe for their Jewish beigel

29:49 Will Beigel Bake ever open a branch?

30:53 Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

34:34 Launching their own delivery app (and some mishaps!)

38:38 Working with charities 

40:12 Having the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge come to
visit

42:23 How the business is currently faring






Show notes:
www.sothisismywhy.com/70               


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P/S: For recommendations, try Beigel Bake’s hot salt beef with
mustard and gherkins, and/or cream cheese and salmon flavours!